Sign up for our Newsletter
HRVRC in the News
Bikes across the Bridge
Hood River News
[August 1st, 2009]
Hood River Valley Residents Committee (HRVRC) and the Port of Hood River have collaborated to hire an intern this summer to develop a report that will be used to determine whether it is possible for bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the Hood River Toll Bridge.
Originally built in 1924, the Bridge currently does not allow bicyclists or pedestrians to cross. Spanning nearly a mile and with over 900 users/hour in peak travel times, the bridge is a key connector between Washington and Oregon in the Central Gorge.
The project was initiated following two public educational forums hosted by Columbia Gorge Earth Center and HRVRC in late 2008. At both forums, some citizens expressed concerns related to the inability of bicycles to cross the Hood River Bridge. The Port has committed $5,000 to the project; HRVRC has added $1,000.
One of the primary motivators for encouraging access for bicyclists is to minimize traffic and begin addressing the parking issue that plagues the City of Hood River each summer. Hood River Mayor Arthur Babitz has been a key proponent of seeking solutions to getting Bicycles over the Bridge. "Building a new parking spot on city-owned land can cost up to $30,000. If we can make it possible for a few more people to commute to Hood River by bicycle it could help reduce summer parking problems at a far lower cost." In June, 2009, the City of Hood River received a $173,000 ODOT Transportation Growth Management grant to update the Transportation Service Plan (TSP). Money will go towards planning for Safe Routes to School, improving trucking routes and implementing citizen mandated bicycle routes.
HRVRC, a 32-year-old non-profit organization, works to protect farm and forestland and promote livable communities in Hood River Valley. With help from the Brainerd Foundation, the Residents’ Committee became involved in this project as a part of a recent initiative to promote safe and effective bicycle connectivity in and adjacent to Hood River. “Many people claim the Central Gorge a highly “livable” area,” says Executive Director Jonathan Graca. “It is. But one missing link is efficient bicycle connectivity. One of the key limitations is citizens’ inability to ride the one-mile bridge that connects – or separates - communities in the Central Gorge. Finding a solution isn’t going to be easy, but I’m hopeful one can be found.”
Michael McElwee, Executive Director for the Port of Hood River, stated: “Safe, efficient vehicular travel across the Bridge is the highest priority of the Port Commission. This study will determine if it is also possible to facilitate safe pedestrian crossing.”
The report will be prepared by intern Lindsay Walker working with Portland-based Alta Planning and Design, Inc. It is expected to be completed by September 25th, 2009 in time for MCEDD’s transportation summit. Possible solutions include a “Casual Carpool” pick-up and drop-off on either side of bridge and a dedicated vehicle to drive back and forth over bridge.